Physiotherapy services

If you are at risk of falling or have a history of falls, physiotherapy can provide exercise and education to prevent falls, improve balance, increase confidence, reduce fear of falling and promote an active lifestyle.

Physiotherapists can also teach you how to get up from the ground following a fall and signpost you to other specialist services.

Why is preventing falls important?

Preventing falls is important because:

The risk of falls increases with age

As well as causing injury, falls can reduce confidence and independence

Risk of further falls increases after the first incident.

Why do falls happen?

Falls in hospital are the most commonly reported patient accident in the UK.

Patients can fall in hospital for many reasons. These may include

General weakness

Balance problems

Changes in health or recent surgery

Disorientation at the hospital environment

Effects of medication.

People most at risk of falling

You may be at risk of falling particularly if you:

Have difficulty walking

Have difficulty rising from a low chair or bed

Get light-headed or dizzy when you turn, or stand up

Have poor eyesight or hearing

Have poor balance

Take four or more medicines

Have fallen before

Have a fear of falling

Suffer from depression

Suffer from memory problems.

Read more about falls and fragility fractures at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website: www.csp.org.uk